Silk Road Treasures of Turkmenistan: Dashoguz to Farap border

BREAKFAST BBQ

08:00 – after breakfast drive to Ashgabat  (270 km, 4-5 h). On the way visits:

The mud and water craters are located 11 and 24 kilometers south of the Darvaza Gas crater. Here the gas emissions are weaker, so they do not burn like the gas crater. The walls of both craters are steep and should be approached with great caution.

The water crater is a striking and colorful sight, reaching a diameter of 50 meters. At the15 meters below the edge of the cliff is a lake of an amazing turquoise color. This vibrant color attracts many tourists, but swimming in the lake is not permitted due to the unknown depth, the unsafe gas bubbles rising from the bottom and the steep walls that make it difficult to reach the surface.

The mud crater, on the other hand, is less spectacular; its bottom is covered with light grey mud bubbling with gas. It is larger than the water crater, measuring 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep. The limestone walls are quite fragile and can crumble, so don’t get too close to the edge.

Arrival in Ashgabat city and check-in hotel. Rest time.

15:30 – you will start tour:

Independence Park if you once find yourself in Ashgabat, the city of love, white marble and thousands of fountains, you must visit the main park in the Turkmen capital – National Independence Park. This Park is one of the city’s attractions, embodying the spirit of modern Turkmenistan.

Arch of Neutrality used to stand on the main square of the country, but in 2011, was moved to Ashgabat’s outskirts. Still worth a visit, this multi-level structure is crowned by a sculpture of the former Turkmenistan´s President, Saparmurat Niyazov. Previously, the sculpture used to rotate after the sun, making a daily full turnover.

The Hotel “Bagt Koshgi” that from Turkmen language means “The temple of Happiness” is a part of a Wedding Palace with the same name located in 5 km from the centre of Ashgabat. This unique building of an unusual shape was opened in 2011 and besides the hotel includes six luxurious halls for marriage registrations, seven banquet halls, numerous shops and other different facilities necessary for wedding arrangement such as beauty salons, wedding dress boutiques, photo booths, and many others. “Bagt Koshgi “complex is an 11-storey building consisting of solid foundation on which a cube with octagonal sides stands, and this unusual figure can hold inside a huge ball with a diameter of 32 meters.

The Ferris Wheel in Ashgabat, known as the Giant Wheel, is an iconic landmark that complements the city’s modern skyline. From a height of about 40 metres, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Ashgabat and the surrounding landscape. Located in the heart of the city centre, the Ferris wheel is part of the large ‘Independence Park’, which features beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and various recreational facilities. The giant wheel is particularly enchanting at night when it is lit up with multi-coloured lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It is an ideal place for families, couples and anyone who wants to admire the breathtaking views of Ashgabat, especially at sunset. This attraction symbolizes the rapid development of Turkmenistan capital city and its desire for modernity, and provides a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages.

The Constitution Monument, in Ashgabat, stands as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Unveiled in 2011, the monument celebrates the significance of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, which was adopted in 1992.Design and Features of the monument features a grand architectural design, characterized by its towering structure that represents the ideals of freedom and governance. The central element of the monument is a large, open book symbolizing the Constitution itself, with the text inscribed on its pages. Surrounding the monument are beautifully landscaped gardens, enhancing the monument’s prominence and serving as a peaceful gathering place for citizens and visitors.

OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

BREAKFAST

08:30 – Ashgabat sightseeing:

Russian Bazaar; Location and area:Another bazaar you can find in the capital of Turkmenistan is the Russian Bazaar.It is located at 72 Azadi Street in Ashgabat, köçesi Turkmenistan.The  ussian bazaar is the largest and oldest covered market in Turkmenistan.Gulustan bazaar commodities are rich and diverse, covering food, daily necessities, clothing, crafts and other categories.

The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque eleven kilometers to the west of Ashgabat there stands one of the largest mosques in Central Asia and main mosque of Turkmenistan – The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. Like all other buildings of the period of independence it differs with its immensity and grandiosity.

Old and New Nisa 18 km from the city of Ashgabat in the outskirts of Bagir village there is a unique ancient monument, the ruins of ancient settlement Nisa. It used to be the capital of Parthia which had existed from the third century B.C. to the third century A.D. The Historical complex includes two archeologic monuments – Old and New Nisa.

Seyitjemaleddin Mosque located in the city of Anau, 12 km east of Ashgabat along the Ashgabat-Mary highway. The Seyit-Jemallidin Mosque is a complex structure that once included a mosque, madrasah and the mausoleum of Sheikh Jemal ad-Din.On the Turkmen land the famous Seyit-Jemallidin mosque, widely known as “Seyit-Jemal ad-Din”, a well-known monument that preserves the unique architectural traditions and artistic styles of the Iron Age. The monument was built in the 15th century during the reign of Abul Qasim Babur, a Timurid descendant in Khorasan. This mosque amazed many Muslim architects of the East with its external beauty and architectural features.

TRANSFER TO THE ASHGABAT AIRPORT

18:35 - Flight to Mary

19:15 – Arrival in Mary

Transfer to the hotel. 

Farewell dinner at the local restaurant in Mary

OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

BREAKFAST.

Today after breakfast drive to Farap border. On the way visits:

Ancient Merv was the most important Silk Road hub in the region, and particularly thriving as regional capital under Seljuk governor Sanjar. Merw is the collective name of five urban centers that existed under various different names in different periods from the VI c BC up to the XVIII c AD.Today, Merv occupies a territory of more than 1200 ha and forms the biggest archeological site in Central Asia. The importance of the site was recognized in 1999 by UNESCO, which awarded Merv World Heritage status.

The Seljuk capital, consisting of a shahristan (medieval citadel) and a rabat (outskirts of the medieval city), considerably exceeded Damascus and Jerusalem in size. Today the Seljuk citadel is called SultanKala. It has an oval shape and occupies about 630 hectares. Its layout is still visible in aerial pictures. Among all city sites of Merw, perhaps the most significant is the medieval Seljuk city. 

Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum most majestic architectural monument of Merv is Sultan Sanjar mausoleum called "Dar-al-Akhir" ("Otherworld"). His whole appearance it represents the highest achievements and flourishing Seljuk power. Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum is located in the center of the settlement Sultan Kala. Nearby are large monumental buildings - the palaces of Seljuk rulers and a mosque.

Great and Less Kiz fortress small fortresses with corrugated, if folded in the crease, napodobye accordion, walls. They put on the earthen ramps with mild slope. Small windows are hidden in the folds of the walls. At the top of the wall terminate toothed battlements, which are almost did not survive.

Mausoleums of ashkhabs. Original set of graves from the time of the Arab invasioninto Central Asia in the early years after the death of Mohamed. The graves of two askhabs(companions/campaigners of the Prophet) are of Al KhakamGifari (died in 670) and Bureyda Al Aslami (died in 681).

Gyaur Kala fortress In Turkic languages, "Gyaur" means "infidel", referring to those who do not practise Islam. The name of the fortress in ancient Merv, Gyaur-Kala - "Fortress of the Infidels" - was given by the Arabs who conquered it in the early 8th century. However, the fortress itself dates back much earlier, to the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

Erk-Kala fortress was the center of ancient Merv. The fortifications of Erk-Kala have sagged under earth drifts but nevertheless, have preserved their height and power. This distinguishes Erk-Kala from other fortresses. Now the height of the fortifications with steep slopes and precisely cut out towers reaches 25 - 29 m.

The mausoleum-complex of Hodja Yusuf Hamadani (Hamdani) includes a modern mosque and minaret, the grave and mausoleum of Hodja Yusuf Hamadani (died in 1140), a Timuridiwan(portal) and a prayer hall. It is located not far from the Seljuk citadel. This complex has been largely reconstructed and turned into an important pilgrimage site.  Hodja Yusuf Hamadani was a famous Sufi scholar of the 12th century, and the first of a group of Central Asian Sufi teachers who founded the Naqshbandi order. He was born in 1048-49 in a small settlement called Bezendjird, close to the famous Iranian city of Hamadan, when Merw was under Seljuk rule.

Mohamed ibn Zaid, dated by inscription to 1112-13. It is located outside the medieval Seljuk citadel. It is unclear as to whom the mausoleum is actually devoted to. The local legend speaks about Mohamed Said ibnZeidibn Ali ZeinalAbedonibn al- Huseinibn Ali-Talib, who   was a prominent Shia teacher and direct descendant of the Prophet Ali in fifth generation. 

After excursion drive to Farap/Alat border

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